Answer: A foreign body is any solid object or fragment which enters part of an animal’s body. Young cat are more likely then older ones to swallow objects. Some foreign bodies penetrate the body tissue, either passing through the skin or through the wall of the digestive tract. Other merely become lodged in a part of body, usually part of digestive tract e.g. mouth, Stomach or intestines, but sometime in the ear or nose, beneath the eyelids or between the pads.
A foreign body usually causes distress, pain and interference with normal body functions, and penetrating foreign body can spread infection.
Wherever possible, the foreign body should be removed; this is obviously of vital importance where it is interfering with breathing or causing great distress. The cat will need to be well restrained, preferably on a table in a good light for you to do this successfully. If necessary, a torch can be used examine the mouth, nose or ear. Then supportive measures such as artificial respiration and treatment for shock and/or hemorrhage can be applied.
